British electronics company Dyson announced today that it is building its first car manufacturing plant in Singapore.

This new two-storey facility is part of a £2.5 billion (~S$4.4 billion) global investment in new technology, in which it is focusing on manufacturing and assembly.

Dyson first announced its entry into the automative industry in 2017, where founder James Dyson said that his new cars would be “radically different” to current electric vehicles.

Reports earlier this year revealed that Dyson plans to roll out a range of EVs, including a high-end model as well as two less expensive vehicles designed for the mass market.

Although it specialises in electronic appliances, Dyson has had experience building the essential components of electric cars, including electric batteries and digital motors.

The company had also mentioned that it is setting aside £2 billion (S$2.6 billion) for this new business.

“The decision of where to make our car is complex, based on supply chains, access to markets, and the availability of the expertise that will help us achieve our ambitions. Our existing footprint and team in Singapore, combined with the nation’s significant advanced manufacturing expertise, made it a frontrunner,” said Jim Rowan, CEO of Dyson, in a memo to his staff.

“Singapore also offers access to high-growth markets, as well as an extensive supply chain and a highly-skilled workforce. Singapore has a comparatively high cost base, but also great technology expertise and focus. It is therefore the right place to make high-quality technology loaded machines, and the right place to make our electric vehicle.”

The facility will begin construction in December, and is slated to be completed in 2020.

Dyson first launched in Singapore 11 years ago with a small engineering team, which has significantly grown to 1,100 people today across its new Singapore Technology Centre at Science Park One and its Advanced Manufacturing Centre at West Park.

Moving forward, the company said that it is looking to “more than double” the headcount of its Research, Design and Development (RDD) teams here.

Dyson added that it draws on Singapore’s pool of engineers and scientists to develop Dyson’s latest technologies as well as core robotic and software expertise.